SUBSTANCES
ALCOHOL
Forms
Liquid
Wine
Beer/ Cider
Hard Liquor
Uses
Medicinally
Pre-1900s
(Not current)
Recreationally
Celebrate
Grieve
Socialize
Abuse
Classification
(Possibly stimulant?)
Regulation
USA
Illegal 1920-1933
Presently legal for
persons of age 21+
anyone
However, illegal to drink 
while driving/ to have a 
blood-alcohol content of 
0.8% or higher
International
Illegal in 12 countries
Legal in most other 
countries at age 18
Physiological Effects
Strain on organs
Liver
Pancreas
"Rosy" 
flush in face
Low reaction time
"Depresses" 
Central Nervous System
Slows chemical reactions in brain pathways
Psychological Effects
Loss of empathy
Increased confidence
Better dance moves
Better pick-up lines
Decreased 
inhibition
Concerns
Long-Term
High 
blood-pressure
Decreased 
satisfaction 
in life
Increased crime/ violence due to drunkenness
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Depression
Short-term
Risk of harm 
to self/ others due to driving under the influence
Alcohol poisoning
Vision blurriness
Vomiting
"Hangover"
Routes of Admin.
Drink it up!
CANNABIS
Forms
Flower/ Bud
Concentrate
Uses
Medicinally
Ease the pain of ailments
Alzheimer's
Epilepsy
Cancer
Recreationally
Relieve stress/
get "high"
Classification
Depressant
Hallucinogenic
Regulation
Federal
Illegal
State
Medically legal
33 states
Recreationally legal
11 states
Physiological 
Effects
Cannabinoids in marijuana
mimic the brain chemical 
anandamide to produce 
"joy" in the body
Psychological 
Effects
THC
Euphoria
CBD
None
Concerns
Short-Term
Low reaction time/ 
poor coordination
Severe 
anxiety
Increased/ 
irregular heart-rate
Red eyes
Impaired judgment
Sustain a poor odor
Long-Term
Risk of stroke
Decline in IQ/
memory/brain 
gray matter
Potential for 
addiction
Damage to internal organ
Diseases
Cancers
Failure
Routes of Admin.
Inhale
Bong/ Pipe
Joint/ Blunt
Vaporize
Eat
Baked 
Goods
Gummies
Spreads/ 
Syrups
Apply
Lotion
Patches
CAFFEINE
Forms
Liquid
Coffee
Tea
Soda
Energy Drink
Capsules
Midol
Acetaminophen
Butlbital
Uses
Medicinally
See "Forms"
Recreationally
Habitually
Classification
Stimulant
Regulation
Totally legal/
unregulated
Unless you're 
Mormon
Physiological Effects
Diuretic
Jitters/ 
Restlessness
Inferred increase in 
physical energy
Psychological Effects
Increased mental
alertness
Boosts brain function
Concerns
Long-Term
Blocks calcium absorption
Increase 
blood pressure
Addiction
Withdrawal symptoms
Headache
Irritability
Nausea
May impact
brain elasticity
Insomnia
Unknown effects on 
pregnant women/ 
developing baby
Short-Term
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Crash ("Jolt Effect")
Increase anxiety
Decreased dexterity
"Caffeine steals from tomorrow 
to give energy to today."
Routes of Admin.
Drink
Swallow (Capsules)
TOBACCO
Forms
Cured leaves
Uses
Recreationally
Socially
Classification
Stimulant
Depressant
Regulation
Federally legal 
at age 18+
Illegal until age 21+
in 18 states
Physiological Effects
Decreased appetite
Surge of adrenaline
Psychological Effects
Improved mood
Improved concentration
Increased relaxation
Decreased 
stress
Concerns
Long-Term
Staining/ 
loss of teeth
Lung damage
Skin damage
Various forms 
of cancer
Decreased brain function
Lowered immune system
Short-Term
Shortness of breath
Increased heart rate
Mood swings
Decreased 
lung function
Reduced sense of smell
Lowered 
immune system
The Vaping Epidemic
Increased use
among minors
Unregulated chemicals
Lung damage
Yet undocumented 
consequences
Routes of Admin.
Smoke
Cigarette
Cigar
Hookah
Pipe
Smokeless
Snuff Tobacco
Chewing Tobacco
Vape
E-Cigarette
Vape Pen
METH
Forms
Crystal
Powder
Pill
Uses
Medicinally
Treatment of 
obesity
Treatment of ADHD
Dextromethamphetamine 
hydrochloride
Desoxyn
Ritalin
Treatment of 
narcolepsy
Recreationally
Classification
Stimulant
Regulation
Recreationally
Illegal
Medicinally
Federally legal 
with prescription
Physiological Effects
Rapid release 
of dopamine in 
high quantities
Increased energy
Psychological Effects
Head "rush" of euphoria
Concerns
Short-Term
Anxiety
Insomnia
Hypothermia
Increased exposure 
to HIV
Seizures
Long-Term
Lowered 
immune system
Brain cell damage
Decreased 
mental agility
Tooth decay
Paranoia
Hallucinations
Increased violence/
criminal activity
Routes of Admin.
Crystal
Smoke
Powder
Snort
Inject
Pill
Swallow
INHALANTS
Forms
Liquid
Glue
Paint thinner
Marker ink
Gasoline
Nitrite
Food
Chemical cleaner
Deodorizer
Gas
Butane
Propane
Laughing
Spray
Hair
Cooking
Paint
Uses
Recreationally
Get "high"
Medicinally
Anesthetic
Classification
Volatile substances
Solvents
Gases
Aerosols
Nitrites
Toxic fumes
Regulation
Recreationally
However, 
38 states have 
restrict the sales of 
inhalable products 
to minors
Not officially considered 
a controlled substance
Medicinally
By a licensed practitioner
Because the doctor said so
Physiological Effects
Increases heart rate
Simulates 
intoxication
Starves brain 
of oxygen
Psychological Effects
Rapid "high"
Lightheadedness
Disinhibition
Concerns
Short-Term
Increase heart rate
Slurred speach
Lack of coordination
Dizziness
Poor judgment
Headache
Apathy
Nausea
Nosebleed
Long-Term
Organ damage
Addictive
Bone-marrow loss
Heart 
failure
Depression
Muscle 
weakness
Hearing loss
Routes of Admin.
Sniff
Huff
Bag
OPIOIDS
Forms
Natural
Morphine
Codeine
Semi-Synthetic
Oxycodone
Hydromorphone
Synthetic
Methadone
Fentanyl
Uses
Pain management
Classification
Depressant
Xanax
Valium
Ambien
Stimulant
Ritalin
Adderall
Regulation
Medicinally
Recreationally
Illegal
Physiological Effects
Substance attaches 
to nerve cells 
to block pain signals 
from brain
Anti-diuretic
Cough supressant
Psychological Effects
"Normalness" 
(i.e. without pain)
Concerns
Long-Term
Gastrointestinal damage
Hypotension
Heart failure
Bradycardia
Addiction/ 
dependence
Respiratory damage
Central Nervous 
System damage
Weakened immune system
Decreased hormone production
Short-Term
Drowsiness
Shortened breath
Constipation
Unconsciousness
Nausea
Overdose
Routes of Admin.
Oral
Pills
Inject
Hypodermic 
needle
PSYCHEDELICS
Forms
Powder/ 
Capsule
Synthetics
LSD
PCP
Liquid
"Tea"
Edible
Peyote
'Shrooms
Uses
Enhanced sensory experiences
Rave-culture
Spiritual 
practices
Classification
Hallucinogenic
Anticholinergic
Schopalamine
Catecholamine-like
Mescaline
MDMA (Ecstacy)
Serotonin-like
LSD
DMT
Psilocybin/ Psilocin
Regulation
Internationally
Legal in Brazil, Jamaica, 
The Netherlands, Bulgaria, 
and Samoa
USA
Illegal
(Unless...)
Physiological Effects
Increased body 
temperature
Pupil dilation
Psychological Effects
Relaxation
Take a "trip"
Hallucinations
Concerns
Long-Term
Psychosis
Bi-polar disorder
Memory loss
Paranoia
Increased 
blood pressure
Mood instability
Short-Term
Loss of appetite
Weakness
Dryness 
of mouth
Sweatiness
Numbness
Tremors
Hallucinations
Routes of Admin.
Snort
Inject
Swallow
Eat
Drink
Smoke
